Stunning tourist hotspot ‘Boiling Pots’ is labeled a ‘death trap’ after dozens of visitors are killed

The picturesque Wailuku River, a popular tourist destination on the Big Island of Hawaii, hides a deadly secret. 

Over the past 29 years, 27 people have lost their lives after being swept by the river’s current. 

The river’s allure lies in its stunning waterfalls, including the iconic Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots, a series of terraced pools formed by ancient lava flows. 

However, the strong currents, underwater hazards and sudden flash floods make the river a dangerous place, even for experienced swimmers.

Despite prominent warning signs urging people to stay on designated trails and behind railings, some choose to disregard these precautions.

Notable tragedies include the death of a San Diego couple who were swept away by a current near Rainbow Falls in November 2017.

The woman, 62-year-old Gladys Novinger of Spring Valley, California, was found in the pool below the falls and rescued by the fire department’s helicopter before being pronounced dead at the hospital. 

Her husband, 61-year-old George Novinger, remained missing until December 1, when his body was discovered at the base of a 35-foot cliff along the shoreline in Wainaku, according to the Hawaiʻi Police Department.

Pictured: 37-year-old Adam David Broom who died at the Wailuku River in March 2022, His body was found floating face down at the base of the falls

In another incident in March 2022, 37-year-old Adam David Broom also fell victim to the river’s strong currents and fell over Rainbow Falls. 

Responding to reports of a body floating face down at the base of the falls, rescuers airlifted him from the water and transported him to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. 

The most recent fatality at Boiling Pots occurred in September when 42-year-old Stanley Walker II of Pensacola, Florida, was pulled under the rapids. His body was later recovered 30 feet underwater. 

Despite its name, Boiling Pots is not actually hot. 

On calm days, the pools resemble bubbling pots, but during turbulent conditions, the waters appear to boil. 

Even on serene days, swimmers have drowned, caught by powerful currents and a  treacherous underwater terrain of tunnels, ridges, and shelves.  

Hawaii County Councilmember Jennifer Kagiwada said helicopters and other emergency personnel will soend hours and days searching for people.

The most recent fatality at Boiling Pots occurred in September when 42-year-old Stanley Walker II of Pensacola, Florida, was pulled under the rapids

Pictured: Gladys Novinger 61, and her husband George, who both died in November 2017 in the Wailuku River

Despite prominent warning signs urging people to stay on designated trails and behind railings, some choose to disregard these precautions

‘Since about half the deaths in this part of the river were visitors and half locals, it is important that everyone becomes aware of the dangers here. Some very strong swimmers have died, along with visitors with fewer water skills,’ she told SF Gate. 

This approach has been effective in other hazardous areas. At Oahu’s Olomana Trail, six hikers died over 13 years, but fatalities ceased after a sign was installed two years ago. Similarly, handmade signs along Kauai’s Kalalau Trail remind visitors of past deaths, encouraging them to carefully assess conditions before crossing streams.

Hawaii Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd, however, emphasized that while additional signage is helpful, it cannot be placed at every risky location along the river. Public education about the dangers is crucial.

‘Educating friends, family, relatives that are visiting, or even just people getting off of various ships that are coming to port as part of the tour operations,’ Todd told Hawaii News Now.

Kagiwada, who convened a community meeting in November to discuss the proposed new sign, is actively liaising with the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources, the agency responsible for managing the state park, and sharing feedback and concerns from local residents. 

The DLNR has acknowledged community input and noted that any approved sign revisions could take weeks to produce and install, with specific dates and locations yet to be determined.